Tsahkna: Overnight attacks on Ukraine prove that Russia remains on course of aggression

TALLINN – Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a statement on Saturday that despite the meeting held in Alaska on Friday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin did not agree to a ceasefire and instead continued attacks against Ukraine.

"The only real measure of success is whether Putin ends his aggression. Following the meeting in Alaska, he clearly has not. He rejected an unconditional ceasefire and, instead, Russia launched new missile and drone strikes overnight targeting Ukrainian civilians," Tsahkna said. "A just and lasting peace begins with a complete halt to hostilities and an unconditional ceasefire."

"Putin is trying to buy time, and we must not give it to him. In order to end the aggression with a just and lasting peace, pressure on Russia must be strengthened even further, starting with tougher sanctions. At the same time, support for Ukraine must be increased. Europe must take on more responsibility, but we also count on continued support from the United States," the Estonian minister added.

Tsahkna pointed out that Putin once again spoke at the press conference in Alaskaa about the so-called "root causes" of the war and referred back to his demands made in 2022.

"This confirms that his real goals have not changed. In light of this, we reiterate our position: the root cause of this war is Putin's inability to accept the collapse of the Soviet Union," Tsahkna said. He added that a just and lasting peace must be based on the universally recognized principles of international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"Estonia will continue to fully support Ukraine and work to raise the cost of aggression," he added.